I served, and I too wish to give my full respect to all who have worn the uniform — in every branch and every country. Your dedication and sacrifices will always have my deepest gratitude.
I also want to thank those who take the time to honor veterans, especially on Veterans Day. Whether it's through a kind word, a quiet moment of remembrance, or simply saying "thank you," those gestures carry more weight than you might realize. They remind us that what we gave still matters — that the years, risks, and sacrifices were not forgotten.
For those who haven't served, it's sometimes hard to understand what service really means. It isn't just about obeying orders or wearing a uniform. It's about committing yourself to something greater than your own comfort or convenience. It means missing holidays, birthdays, and family milestones because duty comes first. It's the willingness to stand in harm's way so others don't have to. It's waking up every day knowing that your actions could save lives — or cost them — and doing your best anyway.
And for those of us who are transgender, that sense of service never really ends. Many trans veterans still carry the same values we learned in uniform — integrity, courage, and selfless devotion — even while facing discrimination from the very government we once swore to defend. The mistreatment we're seeing is not abstract: loyal service members are being unjustly targeted and expelled solely for being trans, and trans veterans still struggle to access the full range of medically necessary care they were promised by the VA. It is both unacceptable and a profound betrayal to see this administration actively deny the dignity and respect owed to transgender Americans, including veterans, as if our service and sacrifice are somehow less worthy. We wore the same uniform, bled the same blood, and stood under the same flag. We have already proven our love for this country.
Service shapes you — it teaches humility, discipline, and perspective. But it also gives you the moral clarity to recognize when a nation fails to live up to the ideals it asks others to defend. If we are serious about honoring veterans, then we must honor all veterans — including transgender service members — and ensure we are treated with the dignity, respect, and care we have earned.
To all who served, and to all who stand up for equality and justice — thank you.
With gratitude,
— Susan 💜
